PLANS have been submitted for the construction of a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development on Glasgow’s St George’s Road.
Threesixty Architecture is behind the design of the plans, which are being delivered on behalf of Albert Investment Co.
St George Studio PBSA is a creative reimagining of a unique city block, where heritage is celebrated through the retention of the existing façade and a contemporary intervention that repairs a fragmented streetscape – reinforcing the visual significance of a key corridor through Glasgow city centre.
Situated on a prominent site along the M8 corridor at the western edge of Glasgow city centre, the development will deliver 314 student bedrooms through the consolidation of three existing commercial properties, including St George’s Studios, while retaining key commercial space to activate the street via a generous glazed frontage.
At the heart of the design is the retention and celebration of the former St George’s Studios façade, a distinctive reminder of the site’s industrial heritage and an established feature within the local townscape. The retained façade will form the principal entrance to the building, welcoming students into a series of carefully considered amenity spaces that integrate the historic structure with the new accommodation beyond.
Drawing inspiration from the character of the existing building and the surrounding tenement architecture, the material palette combines red and buff brick with sandstone detailing and subtle green accents.
The new building has been carefully composed to establish a strong architectural identity of its own, Threesixty Architecture explained. The principal elevation is layered to enhance the presence of the retained structure, while ensuring appropriate deference is given to the prominent St George’s Mansions building overlooking Charing Cross. The building massing has been articulated to respect its relationship with neighbouring properties, while enhancing visual amenity and access to daylight.
A landscaped courtyard and roof terrace will provide amenity space, as well as opportunities for planting, biodiversity, and social interaction within the urban block. A new pocket park at ground level, created in response to the practical requirement for emergency vehicle access, has been carefully designed to enhance the amenity of the development and improve visual permeability for adjacent residential properties.
Developed in collaboration with Iceni Projects, Woolgar Hunter, Atelier Ten, Jensen Hughes, and LUC, the proposals place equal emphasis on design quality, environmental performance and long-term sustainability.
Stefano Faiella, director at Threesixty Architecture, said, “This project presents a unique opportunity to breathe new life into a prominent city centre site while retaining an important piece of the city’s architectural heritage.
“The proposal is a creative response to a challenging and unusual city block, developed through constructive engagement with the Local Authority and productive discussions with key stakeholders and the wider community.
“The result is a development that balances conservation and regeneration, delivering high-quality student accommodation while making a positive contribution to the evolving character of this part of Glasgow.”
